Ukraine has captured North Korean soldiers amid the ongoing conflict, with South Korea seeking cooperation on handling these POWs. South Korea’s Foreign Minister promises to accept those North Korean soldiers who wish to go to South Korea, as assessments report thousands have been killed or injured.
Ukraine has reported the capture of North Korean soldiers within Russia’s Kursk region, with estimates indicating a significant number of casualties among these troops due to the ongoing conflict. In a recent conversation, South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, reached out to his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, to discuss the treatment of these prisoners of war (POWs).
The foreign ministry of South Korea indicated that the nation has requested cooperation from Ukraine in managing the North Korean POWs, particularly in light of North Korea’s deployment of thousands of its troops to aid Russian forces. This marks North Korea’s notable engagement in military operations since the Korean War in the 1950s.
Minister Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to support Ukraine and stated that the country would accommodate North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, should they desire to relocate to South Korea. Reports suggest that by early January 2025, over 3,000 North Korean soldiers had either died or sustained injuries in the conflict in Russia, emphasizing the dire situation they face.
In summary, South Korea and Ukraine are collaboratively addressing the situation concerning North Korean prisoners of war. With significant numbers of North Korean soldiers reportedly captured and suffering casualties, South Korea has expressed its readiness to accept those wishing to relocate. Such discussions highlight the complexities of international relations in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
